2019 Forest River Vengeance problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 1 recall and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Forest River Vengeance, including 1 fire. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 1 recall
Recall 18V333000 (23/05/2018): EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Forest River Vengeance Rouge recreational trailers, models VGT25V-73 and VGT25V-73-W. These vehicles may be missing side marker lights in the middle of each side, reducing the visibility of the trailers to other drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Fix: Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will install the missing amber side marker lights, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 73-0727.
What a tech checks: Mostly adjustments and wear: steps that stop halfway on a bad switch, doors out of alignment after a slide shifted, exterior lights with a corroded ground. Before you buy: Every door, lock, window and light.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 2 complaints
What a tech checks: Bearings, brake magnets, worn shackle bolts and bent axles. A trailer that wears tires on the inside edge or pulls to one side usually has an axle or suspension problem. Before you buy: Bolts tight, springs not flat, brakes apply with the breakaway pin pulled.
Chassis and towing lessons · Trailer guide
Structure, roof and leaks: 2 complaints
What a tech checks: Roof sealant, seams, window and slide seals, and the frame. Water intrusion shows up as delamination, soft floors and stained ceilings months after the leak started. Before you buy: Press the sidewalls and walk the floor; look at every seam and seal.
Roof, leaks and body lessons · Seals and leaks guide
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Voltage drop, grounds, the converter and the transfer switch. Melted shore-cord plugs and bad grounds cause most of the electrical complaints techs actually see. Before you buy: Battery at rest, converter output on shore power, GFCI test, every outlet.
12 V electrical lessons · 120 V and generator lessons · Wiring diagrams
Other: 1 complaint
What owners reported to NHTSA
08/20/2020, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: UPON RETURNING FROM A CAMPING TRIP IN OUR 3 MONTH OLD TRAILER. I NOTICED THE SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. I OPENED THE COMPARTMENT FOR THE BATTERY AND THE WIRING WAS ON FIRE. I DISCONNECTED THE WIRE AND THAT WAS ON FIRE (AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE) AND FOLLOWED IT TO THE FRONT PIN BOX OF THE TRAILER WHERE I FOUND A AUTO RESET BREAKER THAT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY (NOT SECURED IN A METAL GROUNDED BOX) AND WAS SHORTING T
07/07/2020, STRUCTURE,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: DRIVING HOME FROM A SHORT CAMPING TRIP, ONLY 50 MILES AND LEFT SIDE FRONT AXLE TIRE BLEW. TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, SPUN AROUND WITH THE TIRE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FLYING OUT THE SIDE INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. WHILE IT SPUN AROUND IT RIPPED OUT AND SEVERED THE PROPANE GAS LINES, THE UNDERBELLY MATERIAL AND ALL THE INSULATION. LUCKILY IT JUST MISSED THE GASOLINE SUPPLY LINE FOR THE GENERATOR. WE WERE FORTUNATE TO K
05/21/2020, STRUCTURE: 2019 FOREST RIVER RV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STRUCTURAL DEFECTS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURES INCLUDING THE FRAMING, THE JACK, THE HITCH, TRIM AND DECAL, AND THE COACH WOULD NOT FOLLOW STRAIGHT. *JS
04/02/2021, WHEELS: WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, DRY ROADS, AT APPROX 60 MPH, TOY HAULER TRAVEL TRAILER DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPLODED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO UNDERCARRIAGE, STRUCTURAL STEEL SUPPORTS AND TRIM OF THE TOY HAULER TRAILER. TIRE WAS CASTLE ROCK 225/75R15 WITH MANUFACTURE DATE OF "4517". TO BE SAFE, WE REPLACED ALL FIVE TIRES.
Looking at a 2019 Forest River Vengeance?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.